Summit of Humanity

As human beings, we strive toward happiness more than anything else, seeking the ideal way of life. Many methods have been devised, and many have failed. One might, for example, use the process of elimination; perhaps, if the acquisition of material things does not yield perfect contentment, physical health will; and perhaps, if physical health is not enough, spiritual development is required. Regardless of the method by which we seek happiness, however, it has become clear that it is cultivated internally, within one’s self, and cannot be obtained or purchased from an external source. Happiness lies in good character, and good character is comprised not of rare acts of self— or other-directed goodwill, nor of beliefs unacted upon, but of deep-rooted and abiding values that manifest in the majority of one’s actual conduct and self-control. These values, thus rooted, become virtues. Underlying pretense, coincidence, and cliché, rising above the commonplace, these virtues – seven of them, interwoven yet each unique – serve as the pinnacles of human behavior. What are they, and how can one achieve them?

1. Be honest
“The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism
that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right,
not from policy.” --Robert E. Lee, American Civil War general

Truth is the highest of all things, so man can never be so uplifted as when he acts as a channel through which the truth may progress – not only out of the mouth, but through every action of the body and of the soul. To say that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” is to succumb to misconception. The flesh is in the most essential respects, if not in all respects, a reflection of the spirit. If one has an honest soul, it follows that one also has an honest eye and ear and tongue.

Speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Partial truth can be as devastating as full-fledged deception, for in both cases the reality and context of an idea are misplaced.

Dishonesty may be the more realistic approach if your or another’s life or physical well-being is endangered, but usually not in less dire circumstances. Follow your conscience. Offer untruths only when it is truly for the best. Careful judgment and a true sense of justice are essential here.

The truth will set you free. Your conscience will be at ease, for you have expressed the truth as well as you have grasped it, and verified the reliability of your senses. Rather than being demoralized and downtrodden by guilt, you will rise to a fuller sense of being and authenticity. Rather than struggling to retain memories of lies (so that you will not inadvertently contradict yourself and expose inconsistencies), and rather than conforming to an anxious and guarded lifestyle in order to deceive others, your mind will be at peace and free to focus on the simple pleasures of life. Once fears of change, rejection, and revealing one’s true, unique self to the world are released, and the carefully constructed fortress of deceit is escaped, a pure and uncomplicated joy is born upon the fortress’ deathbed, overflowing, transforming the rubble and ash into clean air and fields thick with all imaginable forms of flora.

2. Love life
“Life is a festival only to the wise.” --Ralph Waldo
Emerson, American writer and transcendentalist

Take pleasure in the fact of your existence. Life is growth, not regression. As the body develops, so should the mind and the spirit. Observe the unceasing flow of a river, the shifting of weather and seasons, and the infinite progression of time. Our inherent purpose is to become better than ourselves, not to destroy and disintegrate.

Derive enormous pleasure from the simple joys, like thinking, eating, listening to music, and feeling a light breeze rush past you. Be like a child in this regard. True maturity is achieved through carrying innocence and the purest of the emotions of childhood with you into adulthood, and shedding only dependence and arrogance.

3. Feel deeply and passionately
“Rest in reason; move in passion.”
--Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese-American artist and writer

Apathy is the enemy of life. There is far too much to see and to ponder for boredom ever to be a justifiable sentiment (if it can rightfully be called a sentiment, rather than a lack thereof). When you feel deeply, life gains purpose and takes on new meaning.

Passion is the mother of all creativity. To create a brilliant work of art, one must first feel passionately about the subject of the art and the art itself. This is because, if you are passionate about something, you will unleash upon it the full power of your unique vision of reality. Ideas do not move lifelessly or half-heartedly through you; they are altered as they pass through the filter of your creative eye, metamorphosing into meaningful art that reflects the true nature of your individuality.

4. Have patience
“The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by
hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” --Arnold H. Glasgow, American humorist

All things must come in their own time, regardless of the strength of desire. If the object of your desire is worth waiting for, then wait. Do what you can to allow it into your life, but do not force it. In the meantime, find other occupations; when there is nothing you can do to support your cause, there is no point wasting time by wishing. The purpose of pursuing other goals is not to distract yourself from your original goal (so that the pain of not having reached it will not be so intense), but to find meaning and fulfillment in your life (so that the pain will not exist at all).

Trying to take control only ever results in suffering and tragedy, for the universe is not in your control any more than you are in its. There must be an agreeable correlation between the actor and the thing being acted upon. Else, one or both will be driven away from the other, like two repellent magnetic forces. Even if you never get what you want, that is better than getting the polar opposite of what you want in its place.

5. Search for meaning and beauty in the mundane
“If you want a butterfly, you got to be a butterfly.” --India Arie, “Butterfly”

Realize the lighter side of every set of circumstances. See the glass half-full. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder, so if you want the world to appear beautiful, you must first make yourself internally beautiful. If you search incessantly for flaws, you will find flaws. Likewise, if you devote your time to a quest for and exploration of truth and joy, you will unearth exactly what you seek.

Everything in existence is interesting in some sense, even the most mundane objects and ideas. Maybe they are not so familiar as they seem. Perhaps their true nature remains to be discovered, and their apparent function in your daily life is actually an illusion, or merely one segment of a much larger picture. Take the time to become fully aware of what is around you, not only to look at it. Do not just notice reality; feel it in its purest essence and with every ounce of your being.

6. Forgive everyone and everything
“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love.
In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” --Robert Muller,
Assistant Secretary General and “Philosopher” of the United Nations

Revenge, as any action resulting from a desire for revenge, hurts him who harbors it more than anyone else. Let it go, and be free! Unravel all knots of the past, dissolve ill intent toward anyone and anything that has hurt you, and resolve to overcome future resentment as soon as it arises.

This is not to suggest that those who commit acts of injustice should go unpunished. They ought to be forgiven, but must also take responsibility and face the consequences of their actions. Those who mete out these consequences to those who deserve them (but will not pursue them willingly) should not take pleasure or pains in the exercise of retribution, but merely acknowledge the necessity.

7. Find good opportunities in everyday life – and seize them
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised
as impossible situations.” --Charles R. Swindoll, American writer and clergyman

Make opportunities; don’t wait for them. Every second is a great chance; you may do anything you please with it. Why not make this day different from every other day you have ever known? Why not make it momentous and memorable? Not only will you make history and open new doors for the future, you will give yourself pleasure and build integrity in the present moment. It may be difficult at times, but it’s worth it. Take advantage when the moment is right, and don’t give up even when you’re afraid.

As a bearer of unique insight and genuine creative genius, your fate, dreams, and abilities are in your own hands. Do with them what you will, and always remember the greater purpose you have designed – or will design – for yourself. All things in life blend into it somehow, and even when you cannot see any meaning or balance, you need only seek it out before it will flow into you as naturally as a stream into an ocean. Honesty and freedom are all you need to form a perfect life, and love only to enjoy it. You were born of love, and, self willing, you will die in it as well.

Unexpected Christmas

Like all other kids around the world, I had hardly gotten sleep that Christmas Eve night, in anticipation for my first cell phone—my ticket to endless communication with the entire world (read: my friends). So, when my mother awakened me that Christmas morning, I was prepared to run and open my treasures. What I had instead been woken up to was the most terrible news I could fathom.

“Kaitlyn I have bad news for you,”

Bad news? On Christmas? There’s no such thing. “What?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.

My mother then paused for a moment and softly said, “My cousin Paul has been in a terrible car accident and did not make it.”

I could not believe it! I did not think such a terrible thing could happen, let alone on Christmas Day! I immediately burst into tears.

Not only had he been in perfect health, but we were all expecting to see him that day for Christmas at my great aunt’s house. We had just seen him the previous night at our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. He was perfectly fine; nothing could have been better. My whole family was so upset and could not even imagine this happened. I did not want to experience the feeling of going to her house without him. That morning after we received that dreadful phone call, we all rushed to visit my great aunt, who was probably in the worst state I had ever seen her in. Not only had I never seen her cry before but I have never in my life seen her with such a distressed and upset look on her face. With mascara running down her cheeks and her eyes red and swollen from crying, she could barely say a word.

When I saw her she gave me a big hug and said, “Everything is going to be okay.”

“Then why does it feel like it’s not going to be,” I said quietly.

“Because everything is so unexpected and it’s just really hard on everyone right now but I promise it will be okay.”

No matter what anyone told me I still knew that this was going to be the worst Christmas ever.

There had never been a time I have not looked forward to Christmas before, but this year I was certainly not looking forward to anything. I do not think enough gifts and food in the world could turn this Christmas around. However that afternoon we went back over to see the rest of my family and to show respect. When we arrived it was not the “warm Christmas feeling” that we usually experience, it was cold, quite and depressing.

Snow, presents, family, food, everything was there that usually fills the Christmas spirit; it just was not the same. No matter what anyone did or said nothing changed. Even though it was Christmas Day, it just did not matter. We still carried through with all the same traditions that we do every year; it was just hard to see a name on presents but no one there to receive them. The only thing that helped my family get through that holiday was just having us all be together.

Christmas night we all stayed extremely late at my great aunt’s house. Some family members stayed the night, but my family just went home for a couple hours of sleep before we returned the next morning. That morning we had to discuss what no one had wanted to talk about the night before-the funeral plans. We all decided that we were going to have the viewing the following day and the funeral service the day after the viewing.

Although I was lucky enough to never attend a funeral before this one, I unfortunately had to attend my first one. All sorts of feelings and emotions were streaming through me. How was it going to be? What would I do? Who would all be there? All these questions were rushing through my head making me more nervous. Not the excited nervous you get before a special date, that nervous that you get before getting in trouble for doing something absolutely wrong. My parents had told me that if it was too much for me to handle I did not have to go, but I went because I knew it was something I had to do.

The following day was the first day of the viewing and my family and I all went together early enough so that we were there before anyone else got there. We had to stay the whole time for both of the viewing sessions. That day I saw family members that I had not seen in years and those who I had never even met before or did not remember ever meeting in my life. At that point I did not care if the president came in I was so over hearing everyone’s apologies, they just made me more upset as opposed to helping the situation.

The next day, I had to attend the funeral service, which was another thing that I had never experienced before so I was not aware of what to expect. The church was crowded with family members, friends, and co-workers of his. I had never seen so many heartbroken and depressed people in my life and I do not want to ever again. It gave me a sort of uneasy feeling, one like I had just got kicked in the stomach and had a loss for air. That is when I realized why my parents had told me it was optional for me to go.

Seeing all the people in the condition they were, I thought to myself, “I do not know if I can handle this,” but I knew I had to stay strong and continue through with it.

Despite going to bed that Christmas Eve ready to receive presents, I realized, through tragedy, that I already am gifted with the greatest present of all: family. Of course who would not want a brand new outfit or shinny new cell phone for Christmas? However, remember; those are just luxuries and unlike your family you will not have and love them forever.

The Best Things in Life Are Free – Yea, Right

Since I was a little kid, I have been taught the age-old adage that the best things in life are free. Over the years, commercials like MasterCard showed how great memories are priceless, but even they say at the end that people need credit cards for all of the objects, which eventually create the memories. Trust me; I know the truth. The best things in life are definitely not free.


Vacations and trips are events in a person’s life, including mine, that are entertaining and great bonding experiences for friends and families. As much fun as trips are, they are definitely not friends of a person’s wallet. Most nice trips are nice for a reason; they cost some serious cash. I know if I were planning a trip over to Europe, I wouldn’t really want to swim and hitchhike there, and this makes planes useful. The airline industry is not cheap either. Planning months and months in advance doesn’t even matter that much any more because the prices are still eye-popping and mind-boggling. Even if a group of people gathers up money to go to Vegas or London, they are punched in the face with the reality of spending money for transportation, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and the ever-popular souvenirs. Then those people spend all of their money and have to kiss the chance of going on trips in the near future goodbye.

I have only gone on one major trip in the last eight years. Big trips have become a hassle. Everyone wants to charge a bundle, and it has gotten to a point where spending that much money is a waste. I have made my peace with the fact that it is idiotic to spend close to five hundred dollars for a flight to South Carolina, especially if I’m going on a short trip. As far as hotels go, I won’t even get started on how ridiculous it is to charge customers so much for spending a couple nights. Don’t get me wrong, I love to take time out and escape from life with a great vacation, but vacations can make money escape from my life.


College is said by many people to be the best time of a young person’s life. It is for meeting new people and getting a jump start on the future. There is so much to do at a university, and there are endless opportunities that a degree in higher education can give an individual, but there is only one little problem. Colleges are about as cheap as a brand new Ferrari, and that is before looking at the cost of room and board, books, and food. Universities like the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State like to charge close to $20,000 a year, and if that isn’t back-straining enough, it will hurt more to find out that the $20,000 is just on tuition alone. What about Carnegie Mellon? This university thinks it is fair enough to charge over $35,000 a year on tuition. Say goodbye to those family vacations for the next four to eight years. The one last saving resort could be scholarships, but those are very rare because colleges like Pitt and Carnegie Mellon do not give many scholarships. If someone wants to receive a great education for the future, that person has to break out a fairly large piggy bank.

I am an aspiring student, and I’ve looked at several colleges, but there is a large knot that forms in my stomach when looking at prices. It is nerve-wracking enough to have to wait months and months for a letter of acceptance from a college, and then there is the worry of having to pay for it. My sister, Jen, went to Pitt-Johnson a few years ago, and she loved it and still wants to go back. She was one of the lucky ones who received a teaching job right after four years of school, but I’m sure Jen will say that college was definitely not cheap, considering her enormous pile of student loans. Plus, she spent two years obtaining a Masters degree at Duquesne, and that university likes money as much as a bank does. These facts prove that colleges can be great – greatly expensive.


The prices of colleges and vacations are crazy, but let’s talk about sports. I am a sports maniac. If I miss a Pitt game or Steelers game, I am not the person that you want to be around the next day. I love everything about the excitement, action, and the sweat-dripping intensity of sports, and these reasons make sports one of the best things in life. However, every great thing in life has its own downside. Sports overall are expensive. Whether a person is an athlete, a fan, or both, they are spending money when it comes to sports. It is mind-spinning to think that it costs around $80 for seats in the nosebleed section at a Penguins game or $120 for cheap seats at Steelers game. Cheap seats! Forget about paying the mortgage if you’re a season ticket holder. It is true that there is nothing better than watching sports events in person because it is hard to miss a play, but people also need money to live on. To make things better, lots around sporting events like to charge an astronomical $20 to $50 for a person to park there for five hours. The stadiums like to charge $5 for a 20 ounce iced tea, $6 for fries, and $7 for a burger; all of this food is not gold-plated or made of diamonds either. Why don’t the workers just kick customers down and take their wallets, if the stadiums want the money so bad? All of these factors cause me to limit the sporting events that I go to, and channels are now charging pay-per-view for many sporting events, which makes it expensive to watch games on T.V.


As an athlete, I love to play several sports, but the cost of playing is not eye appealing at all. Last year, it cost my family $70 for me to play in a church basketball league, and cross country costs hundreds of dollars in spikes, uniforms, sweatshirts, pants, and team shirts, despite my team fundraising. Hockey leagues are even crazier to play in because it costs $80 to play in a league, and then it is time to buy $50 sticks, pads, helmets, and backup equipment. As ridiculous as these prices are, schools are now charging activity fees to play sports. Everyone has lost their mind with greed. Eventually, I will be charged $20 for every time I touch a basketball. I might be the biggest fan of watching and playing sports, but the prices of sports have slowly become my enemies.

I have learned from personal experience and research that the best things in life really do have a price tag on them. People just like to have fun and relax. The problem is that fun and relaxing things are expensive. If someone wants a better life, great knowledge, luxurious items, and fun trips, that person will be forced to spend money whether they want to or not. Everyone will soon learn that the famous adage “The best things in life are free” is nothing but a catchy saying.

My top ten picks, in no particular order

John Mayer - "Man On The Side"
When I listen to this song, it makes me think of how many times we wait for our crush, at the time, and we will put everything down just to hear that other persons voice. "Though we both know that the worst part about it/is I would be free/if you wanted me."

Those words are what some people do for every relationship that they are in. All throughout the song the lyrics "Could you pencil me if when you can" come up. Are We just that desperate to find someone else that we would use such words?

Jimmy Eat World - "The Middle"
When this song comes to mind I feel like they wrote that song just for me at certain points in my life. "It just takes some time,/Little girl, you're in the middle or the ride./Everything, everything will be just fine,/Everything, everything will be alright (alright)." That is sometimes just what I need to hear. Sometimes things may not go your way and we all have to deal with it. This song just gives me some sort of hope in a weird way. "It doesn't matter if its good enough (good enough)/ For someone else." Do everything for your self. Don't let other people tell you what you can and can not do.

Jeremy Camp - "Let It Fade"
This song is one that I discovered in church. It meant a lot to me at that particular time in my life. When it seems like everything is going wrong in my life, I like to listen to this song. "Let this old life crumble, let it fade./Let this new life offer be your saving grace./ Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade." When I hear this song it makes me think of all the bad things that come to mind and letting them just fade away. It's nice to know that a song can make you feel so good about something. This song helps me think of it this way, if you can't handle it, just give it to God.

Gavin DeGraw - "Meaning"
"Sometimes our only way is jumpin' I hope your not afraid of heights." That is one of the best lines in a song I have ever heard. This song is a love song, just like most songs, but this one line just cleared up a lot of messes. If you make something out to be so terrible and it's not that bad at all, then you have to be ready to take the fall. Things can become so clear when you hear them via music. That's why I love this song so much.

David Archuleta - "Crush"
I think its safe to say that everyone has had at least one crush, right? I think that this song is such a great song because of the way it makes your heart feel when you hear it and you automatically think of that person you happen to like. "Am I crazy or falling in love/Is it really just another crush?" I don't know how many of you have ever felt that strong about a crush, but sometimes you may think that you like that person so much that they could be the "one". This song is just one of those songs where it kind of applies to everyone.

Mae - "Just Let Go"
"There's an old oak tree/We can swing and sway/We'll lock arms and legs/(You're so far away)/When I look at you/You're so far away/I'm so far away/Oh, if we could just let go..." This song has a personal touch to it. When it says "Oh, if we could just let go", those words make so much sense to me. They may not make sense to anyone else, but in my head they do. This again is what you would call a love song, but its not as obvious as some of the other songs out there. "Just let go" when you're swinging and the one you like is standing there telling you to just let go, are you?

Paramore - "Hallelujah"
This song is maybe my favorite song ever, but that is a really hard call. "Somehow every thing's gonna fall right into place/If we only had ways to make it all fall faster everyday." Everything will fall into place? Some of us may think that is one of the biggest lies ever. Others may think it is very true. I think it is very true. "This time we're not giving up". We're not giving up is one of the best lines. If you need a song to tell you not to give up, this one might do the trick. My favorite line in this whole song is the very first line: "Somehow every thing's gonna fall right into place" everything will eventually fall how it is supposed to be. It may take a long time, it may not. Just be patience.

Tenth Avenue North - "Love is Here"
This song is about God. I love it because its saying that God's love is here and He wants to share. "Love is here./Love is now./Love is pouring from his hands, from his brows./Love is near, it satisfies./Streams of mercy flowing from his sides./Cuz love is here." God is willing to do anything for your love. Look around you, the would may be broken, but all in all there is love all around you. God has put every beautiful creation around you so you will feel loved. This song is so uplifting and just makes me happy.

Three Doors Down - "I'm So Far Down"
"I've got to make this life make sense". How true is that? How many times have we questioned our lives? Those simple words make so many of us think about things, good and bad. That line repeats a couple times throughout the song just to make us think. This song tells a story about how we can lose ourselves and not get back out of the dark places in our lives. We all need to have a little faith and we will all be just fine.

Underoath - "Some Will Seek Forgiveness Others Escape"
This song is once again about God. This is one of the all time best worship songs ever. Some of the best words in this song make so much sense: "Hey unfaithful I will teach you/To be stronger, to be stronger/Hey ungraceful I will teach you/To forgive one another." For someone to day those words and actually mean them, is one thing in its self. But when you know that Jesus himself is saying those words, it makes everything so much more clear. That just makes me think of how willing God is to have you accept his love and love him back. He's willing to give his life for you, the least you

Ten Favorite Songs (:

1. Wonderwall- Oasis

Overall, this song is just very impowering. Everything from the tune to the lyrics just flow very well. I like it because no matter where i am in my life, it is just very easy to relate to and gives me hope with its lyrics.

2. Jerusalem- Matisyahu
Everything by Matisyahu is just incredible, but this song in particular hits home for me. It talks about the city of Jerusalem and basically just the importance of it. When i listen to it, it remind me of how miniscule my problems in life actually are, in the scheme of things.

3. Save Tonight-Eagle Eye Cherry
This is one of those songs that no matter what, just manages to put me in a good mood. With really eye opening lyrics and a great beat, Save Tonight always puts a smile on my face.

4. Better Together- Jack Johnson
Although this song just happens to be my old boyfriend of a year and my "song," it is still one of my favorites. The lyrics, explaining how it is unexplainable to tell another how you feel about them and just giving off the simple message of people being "better" when their "together" are simple but very well written. It also gives a great deal of imagery. Such as "sepia tone love notes" and "dreams" made out of "real things."

5. Dare you to move- Switchfoot
This song appeared in my favorite movie of all time, A Walk to Remember, if i recall correctly. This is one of those songs that just cause me to lose it. After breaking down, I always feel relived and renewed afterward, which is good for the soul. (:

6. In the Colors- Ben Harper
The lyrics of this song are really interesting. I'm pretty sure it talks about being true to yourself and someone that you love and facing reality. But all in all, theres just something about this song that gets me and i really like the meaning of it.

7. This is the Way I Live- Baby Boy

Aside from all of my other "chill" songs, this one is upbeat. Basically, this song just can be seen as an autobiography, somewhat, of "Baby Boy's" life. For this song, its for the most part the tune that has caused it to be in my top ten.

8. Drink the water down -Jack Johnson

Another one of my favorites, this song talks about facing relality, even when it hurts. Thus, being stranded on an island, the message of this song could help to get you through by telling you to merely accept it. They tune of this song is incredible as well.

9. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
Everything about this song I have just fallen in love with. The tune, the rhyming, the lyrics, and the sound all fit so perfectly together that even if you don't have a significant other in mind you could fall head over heels for this song. Also, it never seems to get old to me and always puts me in a better mood.

10. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing- Jack Johnson
Considering Mr. Jack Johnson is without a doubt my favorite artist, its no suprise that I have yet another one of his songs in my top ten. This song, along with all of his others, are just incredible relaxing. No matter how stressed i am, whenever i listen to this song, it always manages to calm me down a few notches and make me feel better in general. Also, I'm a much better drive when i listen to some JJ in the car rather then ANYTHING else.

The ten songs I Could NOT Live Without

To begin, I just want to start by saying this blog was really tough. Ten songs, that is not many to narrow down to at all. There are way too many great songs out there that I love. It was very hard to come to this final list. Even after pondering over it for about a week I still can't be sure that it is totally finalized.

1. Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
If anyone asked me what my one favorite song was I would tell them that question is nearly impossible to answer but, mine would be Free Bird. Skynyrd is probably my favorite band and this is obviously their best and most famous song. The guitar solo at the end speaks for itself. It is over eight minutes long and I could hum exactly how it goes. It is truly amazing and hard for other musicians to pull off perfectly. I am lucky to have heard it live three times. The words at the beginning have a good meaning that speak to everyone with how they want to interpret it. The words compare the human soul as being free as a bird in what a person does or how they act. This song is now used as a great tribute as well to the former lead singer of the band who died in a horrible plane crash several years ago.

2. Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses
This song is probably almost tied for first on my list of favorite songs. I could definitely not live without this one. I go nuts when it comes on the radio or hear it on a CD. The guitar at the beginning just speaks to me and gets excitement running through my whole body. It is probably my favorite thing to hear when someone picks up a guitar. The lyrics refer to a special person in your life and can also be interpreted anyway. It never gets old to me. Guns N' Roses is of course one of my favorite bands also and this song is just amazing on all levels.

3. Old Time Rock N' Roll - Bob Seger
If you ever hear a car go by with this song blasting it's me, no doubt. The lyrics of this song are so straight forward and speak some of the things that I preach. Rock N' Roll will never die and the oldest and truest of Rock is the best stuff. The music just soothes the soul. Today's music doesn't have the same soul. This song was also made even more popular in the movie Risky Business with Tom Cruise. It was a great movie and when Cruise danced to this song it expresses the great beat and fun that the song is filled with. I have to dance when i hear it. It makes me feel good and I can think of nothing else but enjoying the song when it comes on. My friends may get annoyed with this song but I would die without it. Greatest song ever.

4. Let It Be - The Beatles
The Beatles are without a doubt one of the best bands ever in history. Tons would agree with this, it is a fact. Let it be has a true and great meaning. I am not sure if it is in fact referencing drugs in anyway, many of their songs did, but, whatever way you decide to take it the song will give you hope. It is absolutely beautiful. I love the piano in it and the slow beat. It really moves me.

5. Hotel California - The Eagles
I love The Eagles. Hotel California is a great song with so many different hidden meanings that i still am not sure of all of them. It sends out a whole bunch of great messages and it is very hard to get sick of. I know all the words to it. I am almost positive the song is referring to drugs in some ways but, again you can just listen enjoy and learn every time you hear it.

6. Free Fallin - Tom Petty
This song is great. It is great on the radio, on a CD, in the car, and live. I would assume in some parts it is talking about drugs especially because it is a song of Tom Petty's. This song is awesome to belt out and sing with my friends. It makes you feel good and just enjoy the moment you are in.

7. Peace of Mind - Boston
Peace of mind is something that everyone longs to have in situations. You have to do what you have to do with different choices in life and you want them to be best for you so you are satisfied. This song is saying all of that. It also stresses that their is no need for so much competition. I also think it is saying that people should accept themselves for who and what they are. It is an upbeat and very fun song to sing and listen to. It is so enjoyable and makes you feel good and satisfied when it is over. The guitar is awesome i this song also. It reminds me of good times from the past and some to come in the future.

8. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
This is the most feel good song in the entire world. This song makes me happy and everyone else in the world would probably say the same thing. The music is put together in an awesome manner that gets you excited and very hopeful. It is pretty straight forward, hold on to everything and do not stop believing that your dreams can happen. It tells a great heart felt story and I definitely could not live without this song.

9. Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin
My reasons for this song aren't great. I love Led Zeppelin, obviously. This is my favorite Zeppelin song. It is insane that it's not stairway to heaven but, this is more my taste of music. I love the beat and all the music in it. The guitar is amazing, like them all for Zeppelin and I enjoy listening to it changing volume and exciting by the stanza's.

10. Gravity - John Mayer
I love John Mayer and it was so hard to say that this song is one of my favorites by him. I love all of John Mayer's songs and I couldn't live without any one of them. Gravity is high up on my favorite song list though. The message it sends out is awesome and the arrangement of music is phenomenal. It calms me down and soothes me. The line "Just keep me where the light is" is the one of my favorite phrase in a song. It is so true and everyone hopes for it. John Mayer's voice and guitar skills are unbelievable and they are both illustrated in an outstanding way in the song Gravity.

My Deserted Island Songs

1. Drug Ballad- Eminem
This one of my favorite Eminem songs so I thought I would put it on the list. I like the perspective it has about drug use. Also I like the piano and the overall beat to the song.
2. Hard to concentrate- Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song is one of my favorite songs by RHCP. I don't really know what the song means or anything but I do like the words in it. And also the drums in it are pretty cool. For some reason I always have to listen to this song when I am driving home from somewhere really late at night.
3. Say it ain't so- Weezer
This is definitely one of my favorite songs I have ever heard, if not my favorite. I like it so much because when I heard it, it helped me get through a situation I was going though at the time with my dad. The words in the song are the main reason but I love the guitar too. To be honest I probably could list all 10 songs on the Blue Album for my top 10, but Say it ain't so is my favorite so I'm just going to stick with that.
4. Easily- Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song is probably my favorite RHCP song, even though it isn't one of their most famous. This was another song that helped me get though a rougher time in my life too. I think the reason I like it so much is because of the guitar solos at the end. When I listen to them it just kind of feels like the song cuts straight to a part of me that no other songs do.
5. Heat- 50 Cent
Even though this was one of my favorite songs in Junior high ( that's when I got the CD), I still find myself listening to it now 5 years late. So I think this is definitely one of my favorite songs. The beat, which is a gun cocking and firing, is one of my favorite beats out of all rap songs.
6. Acoustic version of Everlong - Foo fighters
The first time I heard this song was on Youtube. I don't really like the regular version of the song but when I heard it acoustic, I immediately loved it. It is one of those songs for me that I have to listen to it 3 times in a row when I listen to it just because it is that good. The only problem is I can't find it anywhere else but on Youtube. They sell live versions of it acoustic but Youtube has the only studio version.
7. Flashing lights - Kanye West
I like a lot of Kanye songs so I thought I might as well put my favorite on the list. I'm not really sure why I like this song so much, I just kinda do. I think it is partly the chorus, and partly the beat too. That is kind of how I listen to music though. If a song hits me a certain way while I'm listening to it, I will most likely like the song. It doesn't have too much to do with what message the song has or anything, it is just what the song means to me.
8. Santeria - Sublime
This song is so good. There aren't to many songs that can lift whatever I am worrying about right off my shoulders for the 3 minutes I listen to it. Just the way the guitar sounds and the way Brad Nowell sings it relaxes me so much.
9. Doin' Time - Sublime
This is my other favorite Sublime song. The words in the song don't have too much meaning to me but the way they are sung, just like in Santeria, makes me love the song.
10. Dumb - Nirvana
I like most of Nirvana's songs but this is probably my favorite. I have a pretty sarcastic view towards life and that is why I think I like this song, because it is a little sarcastic.At least it is to me. So when I heard it for the first time, probably a couple of years ago it kind of got a special meaning for me, and it has stuck ever since.

The top ten Reasons I Could not Live Without Music

So you had a bad day- Daniel Powder
For some reason, I almost always listen to this song when I am having a bad day. I first heard it on American Idol, and it was used when a person got voted off. I have this song on a particular c.d. in my car so I can listen to it whenever I have bad days. The song makes me feel as though everyone has bad days, and I will get through it, which is why I love it.

Hot Legs- Rod Stewart
When I was about three or four years old, my dad would dance with me around our living room singing this song, and he would put my tiny hands up to the speakers to feel the music. The music was loud, so I could feel the speakers vibrating, and that is when I began loving music. So, this song would be crucial to have with me on an island because it brings back memories from my childhood.

My Wish-Rascal Flatts
Not only does this song have amazing life lessons in the lyrics, but it was also the prom song of my junior year. Because that was one of the most amazing nights of my life, I would want this song to remind me of all the amazing memories I had at my prom. The lessons in the song really spoke to me the first time I heard them, so this is definitely a song I would not be able to live without.

Fall for you-Secondhand Serenade
The beginning of this year, this song was my obsession. There were countless nights that my best friends and I would drive around with our windows down while blasting and singing as loud as we could to this song. The way the vocalists sing the song really got the point across to me, and I really enjoy the message. A guy is promising to try harder, and he is talking about falling for someone all over again. Also, it never gets old which is another reason I love it.

Fire and Rain-James Taylor
Because my parents really enjoyed the music of James Taylor, I was always around it and learned to love it. It sounds as though it is about a woman who he loved, but I recently heard an interpretation that the song is about his heroine addiction. This is another song that never gets old to me, and I find hope in the lyrics. It shows that he had obstacles which he overcame, and I think it would be crucial to have reassurance of people being able to overcome obstacles while stranded on an island.

Fireman-Lil Wayne
Although I am not Lil Wayne's biggest fan, I really love this song because it was a song my basketball team would come out on to the court at home games. There is no better feeling then being so mentally excited for a game, and having a song to pump you and your team up even more. This song reminds me of all the amazing memories my team has made on and off the court, and I would want this song with me on an island to remind me of them.

Bubbly- Colbie Caillat
I have not found a voice in the music industry that is more soothing than Colbie Caillet's. I listen to this song especially when I am having a stressful day, and her voice is very calming, and I love her music because of the way she sings every song. Also, this song is about how a person feels when around the person he/she loves. She sings about how the whole body tingles, and I love listening to it because I have been able to relate to it. Colbie Caillat is one of my all time favorite artists.

Mary's Song (Oh my my my)-Taylor Swift
This song was my obsession over the summer. The best feeling to me is listening to a song and finding hope in it. I also love the feeling of wishing the song would never end. Well, this is how I felt the first time I listened to "Mary's Song." The song is a love story about two kids who fell in love over the course of their lives. It speaks of personal memories which really touched my heart. There is no way I would be able to live without this song.

Everything-Michael Buble
I never had heard of Michael Buble until my brother, a music major, began singing many of his songs. In this particular one, Michael Buble sings about all of the things the woman he loves is to him, and it is the similes in the song which really made me fall in love with it. Another reason I love it is because I really enjoy his voice, and the type of music he sings. This is one of those songs that just makes you smile when you listen to it, which is why I would need it while stranded on an island.

Poppin' Bottles-Birdman
Although there is nothing great about the lyrics, and the artist is not typically one of my favorites, for some reason the first time I heard this song I fell in love with it. It is a song that is extremely fun to dance too, and I have learned every word so I love singing along. Through the good beat and inappropriate lyrics is a song I could listen to constantly.

These ten songs have all touched me in different ways,

and are all reasons why I truly love music. They are

all very unique and have different messages in them.

Also, in more occasion than one they have changed my

outlook on a few aspects of life, and have helped shape

me into the music-loving person I am today.

Top Ten Songs

MY TOP 10 FAVORITE SONGS IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

1. Can't Be Touched- Roy Jones Jr.

This song is perfect for multiple occasions, including by not limited to sporting events and everyday "rocking out" in the car. It really pumps you up and does a good job of getting your adrenaline rushing. I really like this song because it gives you the mind set that you are unstoppable and can succeed at anything you wish while incorporating a good beat.

2. All Summer Long- Kid Rock

This is also one of my favorite songs, because it reminds me of the carefree summer. The lyrics are geared more towards s summertime boyfriend girlfriend relationship, but it can be related to friendships also. My favorite part of the song is the chorus, which is very catchy and the line

"It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long
Caught somewhere between a boy and man."

That line is just flows and lets the listener get a good feel for the music.

3. My President Is Black- Young Jeezy

Not only does this rap song have great lyrics, but it also incorporates a good political message. Look at the resident in the White House today. We have come a long way throughout history and President Oboma has broken down a barrier and showed that all men truly are created equally. I am not going to lie, but the first time I listened to this song I did not care to pick out the message because the beat was so good. But after listing to the song hundreds of times a day, the message finally hit me and I see that there is definitely more substance than just a good beat.

4. Life Is A Highway- Rascall Flatts

I really like it now and listen to it often, because it reminds you that life is crazy and there are bends and kinks along the way. "Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long." This is the repeated verse in the song and tells us that we have to "grab life by the horns" and live life to the fullest. This song will keep your hopes up and keep you looking up.

5. Jesus Walks- Kanye West

Many rappers incorporate God into their lyrics, but I believe that this songs has an equal balance between the needed curse words and reference to God. "Jesus Walks, God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down." This is my favorite line in the song because it shows that in a world of hatred and evil you must look to God for faith. I also think that this song could be used to pray because Kanye says, "I wanna talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long." This reminds you that even if you are out of touch with God, it maybe hard but you can always talk to him again.

6. The Devil Went Down to Georgia- Charlie Daniels Band

I really like this song because it has a catchy beat with a good message also. Like many songs, this song deals with spirituality and the devil. "The devil went down to Georgia; He was looking for a soul to steal; And he was in a bind; 'Cause he was way behind; And was willin' to make a deal" This represents how hard it can be to reject sin when it is everywhere in the world today, but if you believe in your morals you can lead a good life like "Johnny". "The devil bowed his head; Because he knew that he'd been beat, And he laid that golden fiddle; On the ground at Johnny's feet." This is a good inspirational song and reminds you that good always wins over evil.

7. He's a Bird, He's a Plane- SPM

I really like this song because it is a mellow rap song with understandable lyrics. While the basis behind the song deals with drugs, money, and fame, if you actually look at the lyrics you see that it is a cry for help. Once involved with "street life", the writer no longer wants a life of crime and instead wants to become rich by legitimate means.

Some do it for the money and fame
He just don't wanna sell no more 'cane
Now his flow is a beautiful thing
S-P-M, he's a bird, he's a plane

The first two lines of the chorus highlight why he chose a career as a rapper. He clearly wanted to get out of the drug business. This song does have a good message even if there are references to drugs and curse words every other word.

8. The Way I Am- Eminem

This song does a good job of showing Eminem's true feelings. While he is a role model for many, he will not change just to appear "good" and please the American public. I like this mentality because, although he has done several questionable things in his life, I do not believe you should have to change just to fit into society. Eminem expresses himself and his individuality in his chorus when he states that he does not care what society says about him, he will agree with it.

And I am, whatever you say I am
If I wasn't, then why would I say I am?
In the paper, the news everyday I am

This shows his mentality that he does not care one bit what people say about him. He also does not want to be treated like a celebrity all the time.

But at least have the decency in you

To leave me alone, when you freaks see me out
In the streets when I'm eatin or feedin my daughter
To not come and speak to me

This songs shows many different aspects of Eminem's life and what he has to deal with on a daily basis.

9. Don't Stop Believing- Journey

This is one of my favorite song because it has a simple message. The clear message in this songs is to obviously not stop believing.

Just a small town girl
Living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere

This is how the song starts off, and it symbolizes two people starting their life new with only faith. I like how this shows that you must believe and take risks to accomplish what you want.

10. Independent- Weebie

This is also one of my favorite songs because, it is very easy to learn the lyrics and they flow good. I never really thought about the message beind the lyrics and after reading through them, I thought the message was actually stupid. So, I really on do like this song for the music and that is it. The message, which is a woman who can support herself is not very deep and is a random idea. But I really do enjoy listing to this song.

I N D E P E N D E N T Do You Kno Wat That Mean Mane [X2]
She Got Her Own House
She Got Her Own Car
Two Jobs Work Hard U A Bad Broad

Desert Island Discs

These songs don't all have a particular meaning to me, but some of them do. Some are just fun songs that remind me of certain times in my life, but they are all very good songs.

1. Taylor Swift ; Picture to Burn
I really like this song because the lyrics are funny. The song is about a girl whose boyfriend broke up with her, and all of the things she could do to get back at him. The best line of the song is in the beginning, "So go and tell your friends I'm obsessive and crazy. That's fine I'll tell mine you're gay." I love that line. Another great line talks about how she is going to get revenge by going out with all of her ex-boyfriend's friends. This song is just a great upbeat song that really gets stuck in your head.

2. Ne-Yo ; Mad
This is one of my all time favorite songs. I really like this song because I have been in this situation several times with my boyfriend. The situation is a couple has been fighting and they don't even remember what they are fighting about and no one is winning. It talks about the stubbornness of both people and how they won't back down or let it go even though they don't know what the problem is. In the chorus he says that people are going to fight sometimes, but he does not want to go to bed mad at her. I just really like the lyrics and I find a lot of truth in them because I think it is a very common situation.

3. Breathe ; Lee Carter
I just heard this song recently but I loved it as soon as i heard the lyrics. The song is about really loving someone so much, you know you want to spend the rest of your life with them, and you can't live without them. "Your the reason that I breathe" is the main line in the chorus. It goes on saying that it is amazing that one person can make you care about them so much and they truly complete you. He goes on saying that his life would be incomplete without her, and if you are in a relationship you should tell the person you love that they are your world. This song is just such a good love song that actually focuses about true love, not anything sexual, which is not very common anymore.

4. Stand ; Rascal Flatts
This has always been a favorite song of mine. It is such an inspirational song that always lifts me up if i need it. The song is about going through a tough time in your life, such as feeling defeated or alone. It says that when things get hard you learn how far you can push yourself and in the end you can push through the hard times on your own. You are in control of your own life and you need to take advantage of opportunities you might have. Each time you go through a hard time you learn more about yourself and become a stronger person. I love Rascal Flatts and this song is very motivational and good when you need a little push in life.

5. What is Love ; Haddaway
This may seem like a strange song, but I could not live withoutit. I watched the movie A Night at the Roxbury with my best friend and ever since then we have loved it. It is an upbeat song and when you see the part of the movie that it is played with it is hilarious. I have this song as my ringtone for my best friend, and it is the song in the Pepsi commercial. The song basically says [over and over again] that he can't go on without her and she is all he wants, but he does not want to get hurt. It is a great dance song and it's a good laugh, especially when you hear it in the movie.

6. Amazed ; Lonestar
This is my all time favorite love song. The song talks about all of the feelings you get when you look into the eyes or touch the person you love and how amazing it is. The lyrics go on saying that the love he has for the girl keeps getting stronger and stronger everyday. He loves everything about this girl, from how she smells, her hair, and ultimately, her heart. I really like the lyrics and how they tell how perfect love can be when you find the person you want to marry. It is the perfect love song and I personally think it would be a great wedding song.

7. When I Get Where I'm Going ; Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton
This song is extremely sad the first few times you hear it. I still tear up sometimes when I hear it. He talks about going to heaven after he dies, and how it is a beautiful thing, not a sad thing. He does not want the people he is leaving behind to mourn and cry for him because he will no longer have to bare the struggles and hardships he faced during life. The saddest part of the song, for me, is when he talks about walking with his grandfather. I was very close with both of my grandfathers, who have both passed away, and this part is usually where it gets me. The lyrics say that when he gets to heaven, he will walk with his grandfather and talk to him about how much he missed him after he passed away. At the end he talks about meeting "his maker" and standing in his presence and how amazing it will be. Overall the song is about the beauty of heaven and we should celebrate life, not mourn death.

8. I'm Still A Guy ; Brad Paisley
This song is made to be a humerous song. It is about how guys see everything different than girls do. A girl may see a lake and think of a picnic, but a guy thinks of the fish he could catch in it. No matter what you do to try to change them, they will always just be a guy. He will do nice things for her like hold her bags and hold her hand, but a second later he would beat up someone for "copping a feel". The end is the best part. It talks about how some guys are doing some things that are stereotypical girl things, such as tanning and plucking their eyebrows, but he will not compromise his manhood and the line he uses is "I still have a pair", which is a little inappropriate, but comical. I really like the comedy in this song and it is a good country song, and I could not live without a good country song.

9. Mockingbird ; Eminem
Eminem is an amazing artist. His lyrics come straight from his life, which has not been an easy one. This song is for his daughter Hailie. He is reassuring her that no matter what is going on, whether it be with him and her mother, everything will be okay. He talks about how every house they lived in kept getting broken into, and a jar of money her mom was saving for her got stolen, and it broke her heart. Her mother developed a drug addiction when he made it big with his rap career. Eminem wants his daughter to be strong and not worry. It refers to the Mockingbird lullaby, but he really just wants his daughter to know that he will always be here to protect her and provide for her. I really admire the dedication and love Eminem has for his daughter, he honestly would do anything for her.

10. Wannabe ; Spice Girls
This song is pretty much a classic. What girl who grew up in the 90's didn't like this song at one point? The song says that if you wanna be with someone, you have to be able to get along with their friends because friends come first. Also it says that you have to be willing to give something to the relationship, not just take. The song reminds us that friendship is forever and relationships may just be for a little while. I think more people need to listen to the lyrics of this song because too many people shut out their friends when they are in a relationship. Especially in high school, most of the relationships will be over by the time you graduate so why throw away a possible life long friend? Most people do not look at this song as deeply as they should because it is a fun, upbeat song that reminds us of the old days. (:

Top Ten Couldn't Live Without

“If I Were a Boy” – Beyonce
This is one of my favorite songs because it has a slow calming rhythm to it explaining the problems of being in a relationship and the male perspective of it. The song tells common problems occurring with guys and how they usually do not understand or care the girl’s side of the story. It’s telling the listener how much easier it would be for a girl if she was in a boy’s place in a relationship. It reminds me about their side of the relationship.

“I Hate This Part” – Pussycat Dolls
I enjoy this song because it has a danceable rhythm with well written lyrics. It is easy to relate to; saying how sometimes you think a relationship you are in might be stronger than you think. However instead of beating around the bush, you cannot stay with something you do not feel or care for, so you have to do what nobody wants to do, say goodbye. I enjoy listening to this because it makes me accept and feel better about situations like this when I do not feel as strongly for someone as they do for me.

“Check Yes Juliet” – We the Kings
This song has more of an upbeat tempo but it is really catchy and has a lot of meaning behind it. The main message behind this song is saying not to listen to anyone’s opinion on the relationship you are in because there is always that one person that will try to break it apart. Therefore, stick with your heart and do not give anyone the chance to break it up, only yourself. This song is always a good one to listen to, with it's upbeat tempo it puts me in a better mood.

"Mary's Song (Oh My My My)" – Taylor Swift
I love this song because I love Taylor Swift and this song is really cute and meaningful. It tells a story about two kids growing up together with a lot of feelings towards each other, that the parents joked around about but never really knew was there. In the end they ended up caring for each other more than any other person could, getting married and growing old, still in love. I like listening to this because it's cute and makes me wonder about how the person you might spend your entire life with could be right in front of you without you expecting it.

“Waiting on a Woman” – Brad Paisley
First of all I love Brad Paisley so it is basically a given that I would like this song, but the real reason I like it is because I like hearing from a male’s point of view. Saying that no matter what the situation is he will wait for his woman any time because it is going to be that way his whole life and he does not mind. Anything from getting ready, to death he will wait for her because he loves her that much that it does not matter and he will forever. This song I enjoy listening to because I love the theme of it.

“Over It” – Katharine McPhee
This song is a slow song with a good beat and tells that all the little tricks played by boys’ she’s over it. I like it because it shows strength that artist that she is not just going to put up with lies and being mistreated. She is not only over his actions but everything about him; he is no longer special to her like he thinks he is. Therefore, it has a strong meaning behind it saying he was never even a friend of hers; he is absolutely nothing. I like listening to this because it aids in the process of helping me get over things easier.

“Don’t Deserve You” – Amanda Perez
I really enjoy this song because it tells a story that sometimes you think you have the perfect guy but they do not feel the same way about you and you do not understand why you don’t deserve them. Although there is a reason for everything, you do not want to hear it because sometimes you think that you cannot live without someone, they are everything to you when really you can, it just takes some time. I enjoy listening to this because it has a somewhat of a reality check on it, saying every guy you think is right, isn't always right.

“Hot ‘n Cold” – Katy Perry
I find this song amusing because it shows the ups and downs of relationships; how one second they’re this and the next they’re something else. It’s never just settled there is always some sort of disagreement or argument or they’re in a great mood or a terrible mood. There is no happy medium there is always something wrong. It also has a great beat to it and is really catchy, once someone starts singing it, I can’t stop. I love singing it though, so i guess it is not a bad thing.

“I’m Only Me When I’m With You” – Taylor Swift
This is one of my all time favorite songs because I think that Taylor Swift is really talented and has great lyrics. This song tells how she knows that sometimes the man she is with drives her crazy but she does not want to be with anyone else because he is that one that makes her completely comfortable. He knows everything about her and she knows everything about him and there is nothing else she needs or wants when she is with him. She is simply on herself when she is with him because it’s hard for her to be herself with anyone else. I enjoy listening to this because it shows a strong comfortable relationship between the two, one that everyone wishes they had.

“Is It You?” – Cassie
This song has a good beat, one that is easy to dance and sing along with. It talks about the one she’s been waiting for, she wants someone she can share things with, stay with her when she’s sad, someone who will be there no matter what and care for her. She just wants someone who can just relate to her problems and help her along the way, someone who she can love and not be afraid to love her back. This song is always a good one to dance and sing to because not only is the tempo good but the meaning of trying to find the right boy is key throughout the song, also something that every girl wants to find.

My Top Ten

1. My Wish -- Rascal Flatts



I really enjoy this song because it's my dad's song to me. It really means a lot to me and he wrote my the lyrics before I ever heard this song on one of my birthday songs. The lyrics remind me of him every time I hear it. He always wants whats best for me and these lyrics wish the girl who the song is about a good life and hope that she is guided for the rest of her life.



2. That's What You Get -- Paramore



This song has a great tempo and beat to it. The lyrics explain that if you let your heart get out of control and you fall to easy for someone then you will only get burned in the end. The singer explains that girls hurt to much and guys never understand the pain we go through. She sings that if you follow your heart sometimes the ending never works out. If you don't consider all sides of the possible relationship, things might not work out. I know that I need to be smart when it comes to love and not let my guard down for anyone.



3. Secret Smile -- Rascal Flatts



This song gets me every time. I am a huge Rascal Flatts fan and i enjoy every song they have written. But this song is great. It tells that a boy is completely head over heels for this girl that he thinks is the world. He believes that her smile can make his darkest days better. This song gives me belief that there are some guys who will truly worship a woman that they love and feel so strong about. I hope to one day find a guy who loves me for me and believes that I can cheer him up just by smiling.



4. No Reins -- Rascal Flatts



Any girl should have the ability to walk away from a guy who hurt her. This song tells the story about a girl who broke away from a guy and is now living her life to the fullest. She now doesn't have boundaries and her life is free. I know to never let a guy control my life and also if I'm hurt or know I've given too much to a guy, I know I can find the strength to break free from it and life my life. Also, I should live my life without fears and not be afraid to take risks and live to the fullest.



5. Crazy Dreams -- Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is my absolute favorite music artist. She is outstanding and her voice is amazing. This song explains that no one should be afraid to take risks and have outrageous dreams because you will never know if you never try. There are so many things to experience in life and not taking the chance to get out there and experience it would not make life completely worth while. So this song gives me incentive to get out there and try new things and not be afraid of the person I am.

6. All Summer Long -- Kidd Rock

This song is very original. It says that you should never forget your past that some great things happened even when you were hanging out with some close friends. The lyrics are really inspiring. I believe that I will always keep my childhood close to me and even my teenage years. I will keep the friends I made and who have stuck with me all throughout my tough times. It's important to make memories to look back on when you get older. And this song is really interesting and inspiring.

7. Forever -- Chris Brown

Now this song really doesn't have a story line to it. I just really enjoy the lyrics and the music that goes with it. This song has a great meaning to me because someone really special introduced this song to me and it has been our song for quite some time. The person who showed me this song said it reminds them of me and I could never live without this song.

8. Bless the Broken Road -- Rascal Flatts

I really only like this song because it was my brother's wedding song. It fits his and his wife's personality extremely well. They both found love instantly and they believe that God had brought them together in some way and now they couldn't be happier. I believe that fate has a lot to do with how things work out and that anything can happen you just have to set your heart to it and trust God to lead you when things get tough.

9. Long Gone -- Lady Antelbellum

This song is important to me because the singer (the girl she talks about) is standing up for herself saying that she won't give in to the guy who has been taking advantage of her. The lyrics are my favorite part because every women should be strong enough to just walk away from a guy who doesn't care enough for you.

10. I'll Walk -- Bucky Covington

This is an extremely sad song. But it's important to me because the girl is strong enough to deal with her pain that she has to undergo. The boy who let her go when she got hurt truly regrets fighting with her that night. If I ever get injured and the injury is fatal, I hope I'm strong enough to deal with the pain that I will have to face and continue living my life with a positive attitude. Everyone should be strong through everything that might happen to them.

Break Through to Better Music

In no particular order (except for the first one) . . . .

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers – "Under the Bridge"

This song, to me, embodies the joy of life, the pain of loneliness, love for friends (especially my dad. He played this song often when I was little, so it reminds me of him), healing (especially healing from any sort of addiction – the lyrics are about Kiedis’ {the vocalist} drug addiction. “Under the bridge downtown,” Kiedis repeatedly injected himself with some mind-altering substance or another. Realizing that he “gave [his] life away” in so doing, this song was the beginning of a long journey toward sobriety {info is from Kiedis’ autobiography, Scar Tissue}), the power of memory, and wonder at the beauty of nature all at once. The whole song, but particularly the ending, never fails to create in me a sense of awe, and I marvel at the miracle of life, love, and existence in general. As far as I know, no band has topped the Peppers in creating such a powerful emotional atmosphere.

2. Limp Bizkit – “The One”

I’m definitely not a big Limp Bizkit fan, but this song is “the one” – their greatest accomplishment by far. I’ve been hard-pressed to find a rhythm as striking and appealing as this; therefore, it is also one of my favorite songs to dance to. The “sub-song” included at the end (a song within a song) also has an excellent beat. The vocalist’s peculiar style might seem listless or even whiny in any other genre, but here it fits perfectly, even gracefully. As for the lyrics, most people can relate. Who isn’t looking (or hasn’t looked) for “the one,” that real or imagined “soul mate” who would share your heart’s desires, understand you, challenge you, love you, and blow you away?

3. Audioslave – “Like A Stone”

A good song to sing along to (but only when I’m alone, so no one must bear with my incoherent squeaking :-) ). Listening for the first time to this potent mixture of a forceful beat, powerful vocals, and intense, chameleon-esque (the chords just slide in there so well, adapting to whatever vocal “environment” has been established) bass and lead guitar, you won’t know what hit you. I’d sum it up in one word: deep. Play it loud, and it creates not only a pleasant emotional but also physical reaction – it will make you shiver in amazement. You can feel it in your bones. It uproots you, lifts you up and brings you down, shatters you and puts you back together.

The lyrics are somewhat ambiguous, and could be interpreted in countless different ways. For instance, it could be a love song; but it could also be, well, a hate song. Is he waiting patiently and lovingly for someone to return to him, or is he expressing resentment at having to wait (supported further by these lines: “The sky was bruised / The wine was bled / And there you led me on,” as if he were fooled or manipulated rather than fairly judged)? Or perhaps he is not referring to a former lover, but a friend, his past identity, or God, to name a few.

4. Sneaker Pimps – “Ten To Twenty”

It *slides*; how else can one describe this song? For whatever reason (perhaps just because the word “snow” is included in the lyrics – that is, “So fall like the snow / Too much too slow . . .”), it has always created an image in my mind of a blizzard, complete with giant snowflakes, harsh winds, thick layers of ice on the ground, and icicles hanging from the edges of rooftops. I vote this as the best beat of any song I’ve ever heard – and that’s saying a lot, considering that I’m a music addict and add, on average, maybe twenty new songs per day to my list of favorites. Like “The One,” this is ideal for dancing.

Also, more so than any other song, it is difficult to describe why I like it. Something about the harmony of vocals, beat, and synthetics just clicks with my personality.

5. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Transcending”

No “top 10” list is complete without at least two numbers by the Peppers. I have plenty of fantastic childhood memories involving my dad, brother, and “Transcending” (the same goes for “Under the Bridge,” and pretty much any song from either of those two RHCP albums: Blood Sugar Sex Magik and One Hot Minute). Then and now, the song creates a sensation of adventure, of hunting for some sweeter, deeper part of the soul that needs to express itself, as well as an immense appreciation for nature. The lyrics make connections between human nature and nature in general; e.g., “Choices are for one and all / All we are are leaves that fall,” and “F*ck the magazines / F*ck the green machine / See the human being / In a loving stream”.

6. Jem – “It’s Amazing”

The piano intro lets you know right off the bat that you are in for a treat. Then you are dropped abruptly into the pleasant atmosphere of a good beat and engaging feminine vocals. As with most songs, it is most powerful the first time you hear it. Complementing the lyrics’ message about a transition from fear to faith, the song creates a sense of empowerment and hope in the listener, reminiscent of the introduction to Depeche Mode’s “Useless.”

This is a song of endless possibility. Passion and creativity can take you anywhere and everywhere. Truly, “It’s amazing / All that you can do,” and “Nothing can compare to deserving your dreams.”

7. De/Vision – “Unputdownable”

Pure joy. This song makes my imagination soar. About forty seconds in, the stronger notes begin curling upward like smoke, and more than thirty seconds after that the chorus bursts even higher, lifting spirits, shooting like a comet through the night sky, unstoppable and genuinely “unputdownable.” It is a universal sensation; who does not know, at least some of the time, what it is like to be “filled with love / From far above”? It may sound like a cliché, but there is greater depth here than in any bout of the painful emotions mentioned (“Arrogance and anger”). The latter “lead into the night”; but then, there are always the stars.

8. Janet Jackson – “Rhythm Nation”

Few songs begin this powerfully. I would include it in the top ten for its introduction alone. Constructed around a theme of unity, Jackson’s message is equally powerful. It is primarily a song of hope and motivation. If we want to change our social and even global circumstances, we need to “work together / To improve our way of life.” Just as an individual human being must set his full and undivided attention on a goal in order to improve his own life, so must a society unite in order to progress, expand, and promote health rather than fear. Whatever our problems are, we can solve them collectively with positive intentions and the courage to carry them out. Of course, it’s not always easy. “No struggle, no progress.” We need to take the time not only to find out what exactly is wrong, but also to *do* something about it. A little apathy can put an end to it all.

9. Incubus – “Drive”

Another “one-hit wonder” on my list (like Limp Bizkit). I’m not too fond of Incubus (in a general sense), but “Drive” is beautiful. Like “Rhythm Nation,” it’s full of hope. Every time I hear it, it inspires me to take better control of my life. It’s easy to sit back and watch the world flow by; that attitude “seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal.” Few are willing to stand out and accept personal responsibility for our present circumstances (e.g., great philosophers, talented poets, and well-educated environmentalists). But, in the end, it is up to each one of us to “hold the wheel and drive,” and those who fail to face up to the task now will pay for it later.

10. Public Symphony – “Breakthrough”

More hope! Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to break through and reach something higher and better. How do we seize those opportunities? Public Symphony has four suggestions for us: “Generate this transformation / Stimulate rejuvenation / Elevate this inspiration / Animate our resurrection.” In other words, begin (gotta start somewhere), renew (refresh your true nature and emotions), enhance (whatever you have, make it better), and enliven (dedicate your whole heart and mind to renewal, spontaneity, change, etc.). When we make mistakes and fail to live up to our dreams, that’s no cause for despair. “In our breakdown must we lose / Or could we look for new breakthroughs?” No dog is too old to learn new tricks.

My Top 10 Island Songs

My top ten songs are in no particular order. Each of these songs is very enjoyable with its own style and uniqueness. I won't lie about being a rock and classic rock fan.

1. Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
This song is as good as it gets when it comes to southern rock. The beginning of the song and the lay back melody is very famous. This part of the song can be heard in movies, including the ending of Happy Gilmore. The great guitar playing at the end is very entertaining, and I loved hearing Lynyrd Skynyrd rock out at the end. These lyrics are very deep in meaning and I like the comparison of a bird to how a person feels.

2. Refugee - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty has many great songs, but this one is so much fun and is in my head for hours. It has a great beat to it with the drums and the guitar rocking in the background. Tom Petty has a way about him that he can alter his voice to fit the song, and he does it well here. I love the lyric "You don't have to live like a refugee," and the repetition of it in the background makes the song flow together greatly.

3. Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
This song has a tremendous beat to it and the vocals are great. I love the lyrics to it, and it talks about how everyone has a dream for fame and being a star. The song talks about a man named Mr. Jones who aspires like the singer to be a rock star. The drum beat of the song works well with the sweet guitar sound. The background singing collaborates well with the lead singing. This rock rhythm will have you singing for weeks.

4. Alive - Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder has a great deep voice that goes well with the simple drum beat and the sweat sounds of the electric guitar in this song. The lyrics tell of a mother who tells her son that his real father is not alive anymore. It explains how she is still alive, and it is time to make the best of the situation. I think that this is a good life lesson to value the people who are around.

5. Smooth - Santana ft. Rob Thomas
Santana might be the greatest guitar player ever in my opinion. This song seems appropriate for an island because it opens with "Man its a hot one, like seven inches from the midday sun." It is just enjoyable to sit back and listen to Santana jam on the guitar with Rob Thomas's smooth voice. I guess the title is appropriate. This is a fast, exciting song, but the lyrics are easy to go along with. The chorus is great, and it talks to a girl and says she is smooth.

6. Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
I don't no if it is possible to top this recognizable electric guitar sound, and this it just a great song to party to. I think this song has to be considered one of the best rock songs of the 80's and 90's because of the guitar usage and Lenny Kravitz's deep soul full voice.

7. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
This is probably one of the most famous songs of all time, and there is a good reason for it. The introduction and the lyrics are very moving and I like the whispering and building of emotion that is created. Some people might think that a ten minute song is overkill, but it it like three different songs. It starts out relaxing and moving, and the band is jamming at the end. I love the ending to the song which mentions the stairway again.

8. Krypotonite - 3 Doors Down
This might be my favorite rock song of the new century. The lyrics talk about how a friend has a superhero and how those people will be friends to the end. All of the words to the song really add to its great drumming and guitar sound.

9. Dream On - Aerosmith
The lyrics combine well with Steven Tyler's voice. The song starts off relaxing with a nice smooth guitar sound. It ends with Tyler screaming "Dream On, Dream On." This song is very inspirational, and I always relate it with sports and never giving up.

10. Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses
This song talks about a beautiful woman, and how memorable she is. This song really shows how great and lasting classic rock is and the variety of songs. I think the song has a great melody and it is a song to have stuck in your head for hours.